Research Focus Groups: What Beacons can do for Consumers?

04/03/2015 19:00 to
06/03/2015 21:00

Internet of Things Belgium

Lichtervelde,
Belgium

In collaboration with VUB, 3 sessions on 3 different dates with focus groups will be held about the usage of (i)Beacon technology. Results and findings will be presented to all members in a follow up meetup.

--! Only 10 places per session. Please subscribe to 1 session only !--

On 2013, Apple introduced a new technology that can use the location-based services on mobile phones, iPad and tablets to track the consumers close to point-of-purchase. The new technology helps sellers send a tailored advertising information or provide purchasing services for sending a discount coupons or facilitating the payment before standing in cashier waiting queue. Apple introduced its new technology with its new software iOS7; they named this new technology iBeacon.

A beacon is a small wireless device that communicates with nearby smartphones using a communications frequency called Bluetooth low energy or BLE. The BLE signals wake up apps, which then trigger location-based actions, including the delivery of coupons, offers, or store information.

This technology opens doors to a new level of interaction between sellers and buyers. New mobile applications will be developed to integrate online and offline shopping experience for the first time.

Can this technology improve our engaging shopping experience?
Will consumers adapt to this new technology?
What are the pros and cons?

Well, we need your input to answer these questions!

As part of an academic research project, we are organising focus group sessions to study consumer adoption of beacon technology and the customer perceived value of beacon applications.

The session will start with a brief introduction of the technology, so you don't need to have an IT background to participate. After the introduction, we will have a brainstorming discussion to understand consumers perceived value of this technology and how it can be used to improve consumers shopping experience. The session will last a maximum of two hours. The results of all focus group sessions will be shared in a meetup session after processing the results, that will help businesses and entrepreneurs meet consumers needs.